India 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup - TV Schedule & Predictions

This page has TV schedule and predictions for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India. Twenty four teams (divided evenly into six groups) will compete for the ultimate prize. The 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup is scheduled for October 6-28.

✪ The FIFA U17 World Cup has historically been dominated by teams from Africa and the Americas. Nigeria won it five times including the inaugural title, while Brazil bagged three titles. In the last edition, the championship match was between two African teams. This is not a surprise since players from Africa and the Americas tend to develop their soccer talent quicker than players from Europe and Asia. In the youth game, physical talent trumps tactics. The trend is likely to continue at this year's U17 World Cup with Africa fielding three strong teams in Mali (2015 runner-up), Ghana (2-time winner) and Niger. The fact defending champion Nigeria did not even qualify shows how competitive U17 soccer is in Africa. Mali has been particularly impressive, easily retaining the U17 Cup of Nations title they won two years ago. We also expect Ghana, Brazil and Mexico to once again perform well.

✪ The United States has been grouped with host India, 2-time champion Ghana and Colombia. Although this is one of the tougher groups at the 2017 tournament, the U.S. should get through to the knockout stage via at least a strong third-place finish. Although India is the host, the country has no soccer pedigree to speak of and is considered a minnow in youth soccer. Realistically, the U.S. should easily beat India and earn points from the other matches as well. Ghana, Colombia and the United States are the prime candidates to advance out of Group A.